SoA-Oct2006

Handbook of WMA Policies
World Medical Association  S-1989-01-2006
WMA STATEMENT
ON
ANIMAL USE IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
Adopted by the 41st
World Medical Assembly, Hong Kong, September 1989
and revised by the 57th
WMA General Assembly, Pilanesberg, South Africa, October 2006
PREAMBLE
1. Biomedical research is essential to the health and well-being of our society. Advances
in biomedical research have dramatically improved the quality and prolonged the
duration of life throughout the world. However, the ability of the scientific commu-
nity to continue its efforts to improve personal and public health is being threatened
by a movement to eliminate the use of animals in biomedical research. This move-
ment is spearheaded by groups of radical animal rights activists whose views are
considered to be far outside mainstream public attitudes and whose tactics range from
sophisticated lobbying, fund-raising, propaganda and misinformation campaigns to
violent attacks on biomedical research facilities and individual scientists. These violent
attacks are carried out by a relatively small number of activists compared with those
who use peaceful means of protest, but they have profound and wide-ranging effects.
2. The magnitude of violent animal rights activities is staggering, and these activities take
place in many different parts of the world. Various animal rights groups have claimed
responsibility for the bombing of cars, institutions, stores, and the private homes of
researchers.
3. Animal rights violence has had a chilling effect on the scientific community inter-
nationally. Scientists, research organizations, and universities have been intimidated
into altering or even terminating important research efforts that depend on the use of
animals. Laboratories have been forced to divert thousands of research dollars for the
purchase of sophisticated security equipment. Young people who might otherwise
pursue a career in biomedical research are turning their sights to alternative profes-
sions.
4. Despite the efforts of many groups striving to protect biomedical research from radical
animal activism, the response to the animal rights movement has been fragmented,
underfunded, and primarily defensive. Many groups within the biomedical community
are hesitant to take a public stand about animal activism because of fear of reprisal. As
a result, the research establishment has been backed into a defensive posture. Its
motivations are questioned, and the need for using animals in research is repeatedly
challenged.
S-1989-01-2006  Pilanesberg
Animal Use in Biomedical Research
5. While properly designed and executed research involving animals is necessary to
enhance the medical care of all persons, we recognize also that humane treatment of
research animals must be ensured. Appropriate training for all research personnel
should be prescribed and adequate veterinary care should be available. Experiments
must comply with any rules or regulations promulgated to govern humane handling,
housing, care, treatment and transportation of animals.
6. International medical and scientific organizations must develop a stronger and more
cohesive campaign to counter the growing threat to public health posed by animal
activists. Leadership and coordination must be provided. In addition, there must be a
clear understanding of the rights of animals who are part of medical research, and the
obligations of those who undertake it.
The World Medical Association therefore affirms the following principles:
1. Animal use in biomedical research is essential for continued medical progress.
2. The WMA Declaration of Helsinki requires that biomedical research involving human
subjects should be based, where appropriate, on animal experimentation, but also re-
quires that the welfare of animals used for research be respected.
3. Humane treatment of animals used in biomedical research is essential and research
facilities should be required to comply with all guiding principles for humane treat-
ment. Education about these principles should be provided to all researchers in train-
ing.
4. Animals should only be used in biomedical research when it is clear that their use is
required to achieve an important outcome, and where no other feasible method is
available.
5. Duplication of animal experiments should not occur unless scientifically justified.
6. The use of animals for the futile testing of cosmetic products and their ingredients,
alcohol and tobacco should not be supported.
7. Although rights to free speech should not be compromised, the anarchistic element
among animal right activists should be condemned.
8. The use of threats, intimidation, violence, and personal harassment of scientists and
their families should be condemned internationally.
9. A maximum coordinated effort from international law enforcement agencies should
be sought to protect researchers and research facilities from activities of a terrorist
nature.